Two teachers in Mersin penalized for 'obstructing religious education'

An investigation was launched against teachers Esin Azize Sor and Ali Doğan, who work at Mersin İsa Öner Anatolian High School, on the grounds that they influenced students within the scope of the ÇEDES Project. 

The investigation, initiated upon the instruction of Akdeniz District Director of National Education Adem Şimşek, resulted in the teachers being referred to the disciplinary board on charges of "attempting to obstruct religious education."

DISCIPLINARY BOARD DECISION AND DEFENSES

The board, convened under the chairmanship of Mersin Provincial Disciplinary Board President Ahmet Çırakoğlu and Mersin Provincial Director of National Education Fazilet Durmuş, decided to penalize the teachers on the grounds that they obstructed religious education to be provided by provincial or district mufti offices through the Diyanet. 

It was stated that the teachers were accused despite informing students that parental consent was required.

The teachers defended themselves by stating, "We informed the students in the hall that parental consent needed to be obtained. This was a well-intentioned act performed to prevent tension between the neighborhood residents and the school administration."

APPEAL FILED AGAINST THE PENALTY

The disciplinary board issued a salary deduction penalty of 1/30 to both teachers. Eğitim İş representative Ahmet Karaman appealed the decision and applied to the administrative court. However, the teachers were penalized despite the objections.